Product ID: TWTH
Control Number: 7497994
The Whistler 523 Episodes
The Whistler is one of the most distinctive and haunting programs from the golden age of radio, celebrated for its eerie atmosphere, ironic storytelling, and unforgettable narrator. Premiering in 1942, The Whistler specialized in tales of crime, deception, and psychological drama, almost always ending in poetic justice — often with a dark twist.
The show’s chilling signature — a mysterious whistled melody followed by the line "I am the Whistler, and I know many things..." — set the tone for a series that thrived on suspense, moral ambiguity, and the hidden darkness within everyday people.
The Stars
The Whistler was narrated by an unnamed host — "The Whistler" — voiced most famously by Bill Forman. His ghostly presence tied the stories together, often hinting at the doom to come and offering wry commentary as characters met their often well-deserved fates.
Each episode featured a rotating cast of top West Coast radio actors, including Gerald Mohr, Betty Lou Gerson, Joseph Kearns, Lurene Tuttle, and Marvin Miller. These performers brought to life a range of characters — from scheming spouses and desperate gamblers to unwitting innocents caught in deadly circumstances.
Key Dates
• The Whistler debuted on the CBS West Coast network on May 16, 1942.
• The series ran until September 22, 1955, with a total of over 650 episodes.
• While primarily a West Coast production, its popularity led to occasional national broadcasts and a series of film adaptations in the mid-1940s.
Other Information
Unlike many crime shows of its era, The Whistler stood out for its emphasis on the psychological motivations behind criminal acts rather than the investigative process. Listeners often knew early on who the guilty party was; the real suspense came from watching their plans unravel or fate catch up to them in unexpected ways.
The program’s formula — a flawed protagonist attempting to get away with murder or deception, only to be undone by their own mistakes or cruel twists of fate — gave it a unique identity among radio dramas. The haunting background music, produced by Wilbur Hatch and others, added to the show's unsettling and doom-laden mood.
The Whistler was so popular that it inspired eight feature films produced by Columbia Pictures between 1944 and 1948, starring Richard Dix. A television version also aired briefly in the 1950s, though it never reached the same heights as the radio original.
Today, The Whistler remains a standout among old-time radio thrillers, remembered for its moody atmosphere, ironic storytelling, and the chilling voice that guided audiences through each dark tale of human folly. Its legacy continues to influence modern crime fiction and anthologies.
This collection comes preloaded on a USB stick, allowing you to easily transfer all episodes to the device of your choice. Enjoy seamless playback a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern convenience.
Suggested Retail Price: $32.49
Mice Price: $24.99
Length: 32.5
Width: 523
Weight: 0.0500 pounds
***** Item Detail Page End
***** Home
Blind Mice Order Center: 346 839-3150
Open 9 am - 4pm CST Monday-Friday
You have arrived!
Blind Mice Mega Mall - "The Mall with the Blind
In Mind!
Blind Mice Mega Mall is designed for use with screen reader and low vision software for visually impaired shoppers!
The Mice have built Blind Mice exclusivily for the Blind & Low Vision Community! The sighted have millions of web sites built for them...
Each store is an independent business owned and managed by a member of the Blind / Low Vision Community!
Please browse the great offerings from the merchants in Blind Mice Mega Mall
You will find great items and unique products for the Blind and Low Vision community.
Shop all the stores and check out just one time! The Mice make it easy to shop from all of our outstanding merchants!
Remember, the Merchants operating stores in Blind Mice Mega Mall are also part of the Blind and Low Vision Community so when you buy from them you are supporting the Blind and Low Vision Community directly!
Every purchase at Blind Mice Mega Mall benefits the Low Vision / Blind Community!
** **
Have a MICE Day! Make It Count Everyday!
You help the Blind Community every time you purchase from the merchants at Blind Mice Mega Mall
Every purchase made at Blind Mice Mega Mall gives back to the Blind and Visually Impaired Community!
Proceeds from sales fund the MouseHole Scholarship Program, the Cooking In The Dark Show and The Movie Vault!
Join the Today's Cheese Newsletter Here!